The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has condemned the allegation of marginalisation of the party, leveled against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by five members of the House of Representatives from the state.
The Ondo federal lawmakers loyal to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Friday had reported Aiyedatiwa to President Bola Tinubu in an open letter, accusing the governor of allegedly romancing with some political enemies of the late former governor.
The lawmaker also accused the governor of creating a significant divide causing deep discord among the party members and marginalising the leadership of the party in the state while the state chairman, Mr Ade Adetimehin, has been sidelined.
The letter was said to have been signed by five lawmakers who included Adesida Abiodun, Timehin Adelegbe, Festus Ayodele, Jimi Odimayo and Adegboyega Adefarati representing Akure North/South, Owo/Ose, Ile-oluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo, Okitipupa/Irele and Akoko south West/ South East Federal Constituencies respectively.
In a reaction, on Saturday, the state Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, described the allegation against the governor by the federal lawmakers as unfounded and embarrassing to the party.
Adetimehin, in a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaiye, declared that the party had no issues with the governor.
According to him, members of the State Working Committee of the party had a good relationship with the governor as they recently paid an unscheduled visit to the governor, who put aside other engagements and accorded them due respect.
Adetimehin said, “At the meeting, the governor, who is also the leader of the chapter, had extensive discussions on how to further build the party and promote unity within the fold, to secure victory for the APC in Ondo State, come November.
“The governor never talked about personal ambition but rather expressed a desire to ensure a befitting burial for the departed leader, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. So it is gratifying to note that all the concerns raised by the party are duly considered by the governor, who assured us that he would address them.
“For the records, there is no rancour nor bad blood between the governor and the party structures in the state. The development of the chapter is the crux of all decisions and activities in the state.”
The chairman, however, expressed appreciation to two of the APC federal lawmakers -Abiola Makinde and Donald Ojogo, for discrediting the allegations put forward by their colleagues.
“We expect party leaders, including the federal lawmakers, to key into the focus and support laudable ideas that befit nobility. For now, Ondo State does not deserve discordant tunes, that betray malice and self-servicing”, he added.
